Antiangiogenic therapy in brain tumors.
Angiogenesis, the recruitment of new blood vessels, is an essential component of tumor progression. Malignant brain tumors are highly vascularized and their growth is angiogenesis-dependent. As such, inhibition of the sprouting of new capillaries from pre-existing blood vessels is one of the most promising antiglioma therapeutic approaches. Numerous classes of molecules have been implicated in regulating angiogenesis and, thus, novel agents that target and counteract angiogenesis are now being developed. The therapeutic trials of a number of angiogenesis inhibitors as antiglioma drugs are currently under intense investigation. Preliminary studies of angiogenic blockade in glioblastoma have been promising and several clinical trials are now underway to develop optimum treatment strategies for antiangiogenic agents. This review will cover state-of-the-art antiangiogenic targets for brain tumor treatment and discuss future challenges. An increased understanding of the angiogenic process, the diversity of its inducers and mediators, appropriate drug schedules and the use of these agents with other modalities may lead to radically new treatment regimens to achieve maximal efficacy.
Lakka
Sajani S
SS
Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, 1 Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, USA.
Rao
Jasti S
JS
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005910:Glioma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins